Contractor Red Flags Ottawa Homeowners Should Notice
A low quote or confident sales pitch is not enough to establish fit. Ottawa homeowners can reduce avoidable risk by looking for clarity, documentation, realistic scheduling, and respectful communication.
Unclear or changing scope
Be cautious when a proposal is only a lump sum with no description of materials, exclusions, allowances, cleanup, or change process. A contractor should be willing to explain what the price assumes.
Pressure to decide immediately
A deadline or deposit request should not prevent you from reading the agreement, checking references, and comparing proposals. Ask what the payment is for and when each milestone is due.
Missing project documentation
Ask for the business identity, insurance information, written scope, schedule assumptions, warranty terms, and permit responsibilities. If a project needs professional design or engineering, clarify who coordinates it.
Promises that do not match the work
Treat guaranteed timelines, guaranteed savings, unsupported credentials, or claims of availability with care. Ask for the assumptions behind the claim and record the answer in writing.